Inclination mechanism for a treadmill

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus in combination with an incline adjustment mechanism having a support frame, a support rotatably associated with the support frame, a pawl positioned to interact with the support and a spring for urging the pawl into engagement with the support is disclose. The support defines a plurality of notches. The pawl is received into each resistive notch to form a detachable union of the pawl with the support. An engagement of the pawl with each notch orients the support in a predetermined position which corresponds to a respective incline for the exercise apparatus which is connected to the support frame.

This application is a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/363,194, filed Dec. 24, 1994, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to exercise equipment of the type utilized toimprove the user's physical conditioning. More specifically, theinvention is directed to an exercise apparatus whose orientationrelative to an underlying support surface may be adjusted to eitherincrease or diminish the level of difficulty of exercises performed onthe apparatus.

2. State of the Art

The functionality of many types of exercising equipment is enhanced bymodifying the orientation of that equipment relative to an underlyingsupport surface. In many instances, this capability to reorient theequipment permits the user to adjust and oftentimes increase the levelof difficulty of exercises performed using the equipment. Thiscapability becomes important when one recognizes that training,utilizing such equipment, is directed toward increasing the user'sphysical abilities. As those abilities are augmented, it is desirablethat the user may periodically adjust the level of difficulty of theequipment to provide a device conducive to challenging the user'sphysical abilities and to contributing to an enhancement of theseabilities.

The difficulties in rendering exercise equipment incline adjustableresults in part from the weight of such equipment. Due to the stresswhich such equipment must endure in use, oftentimes such equipment isfabricated from various types of metals, which cause the equipment to begenerally heavy. Adjusting the incline of the equipment may be difficultif the user must lift the equipment to the desired height and thenmanipulate a retaining device which is operable to retain the equipmentat the desired height. As a result, some exercise equipment requires twoor more individuals to adjust the incline thereof, i.e. one individualholding the equipment in place while the second actuates the retainingdevice.

A conventional incline system is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,071(Davis). FIG. 6i of that disclosure illustrates an adjustable inclinesystem which consists of an inverted "T"-shaped support leg having aplurality of open-ended channels defined in the shaft region thereof.The support leg is received within a socket. The socket sidewall definesa pair of oppositely positioned holes which are positioned to registerone with another. A pin is inserted through the socket hole andthereafter through one of the support leg channels. The pin subsequentlyis received in the opposing socket sidewall hole whereby the support legis detachably retained in the apparatus mounted socket. The incline ofthe apparatus may be altered by slidingly removing the pin and adjustingthe support leg to align another channel in registration with the socketholes. Thereafter, the pin is reinserted to retain the support leg inthe desired orientation. Recognizably, the apparatus must be lifted inorder to facilitate any adjustment to its incline.

A second embodiment of an incline system is depicted in U.S. Pat. No.4,374,587 (Ogden) wherein a pair of upright threaded support legs aremounted spacedly apart from one another on the end of a treadmill. Thebottom end of each support is rotatably mounted by a ball joint to afooting which rests on the underlying support surface, e.g. the ground.A female threaded socket is mounted on each support, each socket beingfixedly mounted to the apparatus to be inclined. One of the supportsincludes a hand crank mounted thereon. The crankable support ismechanically connected to the non-cranked support by a chain which istrained about sprockets mounted on each of the two supports. A crankedrotation of the first support effects a corresponding rotation of thesecond support. The sockets are displaced upwards or downwards,depending on the direction of rotation of the supports. The apparatus,being mounted to the sockets, is displaced by the sockets.

The Ogden construction involves a considerable amount of structure toeffect the lifting or incline function.

A continued need exists for an inclined system which is simple inconstruction yet operative to yield a desired equipment incline with aminimum of energy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention includes an exercise apparatus in combination withan incline adjustment mechanism adapted for adjusting the incline of theexercise apparatus relative to an underlying support surface. Theincline adjustment mechanism is provided to permit the user to alter thedifficulty of exercises performed on the exercise apparatus by adjustingthe incline of the apparatus relative to an underlying support surface.It should be understood that the invention is not limited to anyparticular type of exercise apparatus. While the invention may beillustrated by reference to a treadmill, it is important to understandthat any exercise apparatus may be utilized in the invention.

The invention may include an exercise apparatus in combination with asupport structure which may include a support frame; at least onesupport, which is rotatably connected to the support frame; at least onepawl, which is configured to form a detachable union with the support toretain the support in a fixed orientation relative to the support frame;and at least one spring for urging the pawl into engagement with thesupport.

The support frame is connected to the exercise apparatus whoseinclination, relative to an underlying surface, is to be adjusted. Thesupport frame may be formed by two subframes which are connected to theexercise apparatus at suitable locations thereon, for example onopposing sides of the exercise apparatus proximate an end of thatapparatus.

The support is rotatably connected to the support frame. In oneembodiment, the support may include two support members, each supportmember being individually mechanically associated with a respectivesupport subframe to be rotatable about that subframe. The supportmembers may be associated with the subframe by respective pivot axleswhich are individually secured to a respective subframe and whichprovide a pivot axis for their respective support members. One end ofeach support member is configured to engage the underlying supportsurface. The portion of the support which extends from the pivot axle tothis particular end which engages the underlying surface may havegreater mass associated therewith than the portion of the support whichextends from the pivot axis to the opposing end of the support. Due toone portion of the support being heavier than the other, the supporttends to rotate about its pivot axis when the support is supportedsolely by its pivot axis. This occurs when the exercise apparatus islifted above the underlying support surface sufficiently that thesupport no longer is supported by the underlying surface. Each supportmember includes a ratchet section which is configured to define one ormore recesses or notches.

The pawl of the invention may be mechanically associated with thesupport frame to be rotatable about that support frame. In oneconstruction, the pawl is associated with the support frame by means ofa pivot axle secured to the support frame. The pawl is mounted on theaxle to rotate about a pivot axis defined by the pivot axle.Alternatively, the pawl may be secured to other structure such as theexercise apparatus itself.

The pawl is positioned to be proximate the support. In thoseconstructions wherein the support is formed by two or more supportmembers, the pawl may be formed of a number of pawl members, one pawlmember being associated with each particular support member. The pawlincludes a finger or extension structure which is configured to bereceived in one or more of the recesses or notches defined in thesupport. Upon the finger being received in the notch, the pawl forms adetachable union with the support which effectively fixes theorientation of the support relative to the support frame and hence tothe exercise apparatus. By fixing the support relative to the exerciseapparatus, and owing to the engagement of one end of the support withthe underlying support surface, the inclination of the exerciseapparatus is thereby also fixed. By disengaging the pawl from thesupport and thereby permitting the support to rotate about its pivotaxis, the user may adjust the incline of the exercise apparatus. Inthose instances wherein multiple notches are provided in the support,the user may adjust the inclination of the exercise apparatus to one ofa multiple number of inclination settings by engaging the pawl with aselected notch in the support.

A spring is associated with the pawl to provide a moment or torque onthe pawl. In those instances wherein the pawl is formed by a number ofindividual pawl members, a respective spring may be associated with eachpawl member. In one construction, the spring is connected on its firstend to the pawl. The second end of the spring is connected to structurespatially removed from the pawl, such as the support frame. Theorientation of the spring is arranged to apply a force on the pawlsuitable for creating a moment or torque on the pawl about its pivotaxis. The pawl is thereby biased against its respective support causingthe finger of the pawl to be urged against the ratchet section of thesupport which defines the notch or notches. As the user causes thesupport to rotate about its axis of rotation, for example by lifting theexercise apparatus and permitting gravity to cause a rotation of thesupport about its pivot axis, the pawl is positioned to insert itsfinger into the notch upon that notch being brought into positioning forsuch an engagement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of an exercise apparatus incombination with an incline adjustment mechanism according to theinstant invention, the frame support of said mechanism having beenremoved for clarity;

FIG. 2 is a sectional side view of an incline adjustment mechanism ofFIG. 1 taken along section line 2--2, the mechanism being shownpositioned in a first condition;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the incline adjustment mechanism of FIG. 2wherein the spacer bar has been removed for clarity and the support ofthe mechanism has repositioned to a second condition;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the incline adjustment mechanism of FIG. 2wherein the spacer bar has been removed and the support of the mechanismhas been repositioned to a third condition;

FIG. 5 is a front section view of a pair of supports of the inventioninterconnected by a connection shaft, the pawl and spring having beenremoved for clarity;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a support of the incline adjustmentmechanism;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the incline adjustment mechanism of FIG. 2 withthe support of the mechanism being repositioned in a fourth condition,the spacer bar having been removed for clarity purposes;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the inclineadjustment mechanism of the invention, the mechanism being illustratedin a first condition;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 wherein the mechanismis shown in a second condition; and

FIG. 10 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 wherein the mechanismis shown in a third condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise apparatus 10 having an incline adjustmentmechanism 12 associated therewith. As shown, exercise apparatus 10 is aconventional treadmill. It should be understood that a treadmill isshown merely for illustrative purposes. Any type of exercise apparatussuitable for use with the incline adjustment mechanism may be used inthe invention.

As shown, the treadmill is supported above an underlying surface 14 by afirst support 16. Another support 16 is positioned on the opposing sideof the treadmill from the illustrated support 16, though this support 16is not shown. Each of the supports 16 includes a vertically disposedextension 18 which is connected to the treadmill frame on its first end17. Each support 16 has a wheel 20 mounted on its free end. The supports16 function to elevate the first end 17 of the treadmill 10 above theunderlying surface 14.

The incline adjustment mechanism 12 is shown mounted to the treadmillproximate its second or trailing end 24. In the illustrated embodiment,two support structures are utilized. These support structures areinterconnected to jointly provide an incline adjustment function. Whilethe illustrated embodiment is described as including two supportstructures, it should be recognized that a single support structure ofthe type to be described may also be used with other types of exerciseapparatus. FIG. 1 illustrates one of two support structures 15 whichtogether constitute the mechanism 12. A support structure 15 which isessentially the mirror image of that shown is mechanically associatedwith the treadmill on the opposing side of the treadmill. The instantdescription will be directed to one of the two support structures, itbeing recognized that the second support structure is essentiallyidentical to the first support structure 15.

The first support structure, as shown to advantage in FIG. 2, includes asupport sub-frame 26, a support 28, a pawl 30 and a spring 32. Thesubframe 26 is shown as being a generally rectangular planar memberwhich is secured to the frame 34 of the treadmill 10 along one side ofthat planar member. The planar member is disposed in a generally uprightvertical orientation. The planar member may be fabricated of metal andsecured to the metal frame of the treadmill by welding.

The support 28 is an elongate planar panel having a first end 36 and asecond end 38. The first end 36 defines an elongate finger-likeextension 40 which forms a stop for the pawl 30. The support 28 furtherdefines a ratchet section having a plurality of recesses or notches 42along its perimeter. In the support illustrated in FIG. 6, threedistinct notches are defined in the perimeter of the support 28. Thefirst notch 42A is defined by one side of the extension 40 inassociation with a recess formed by the sides 61, 63, and 65 of thesupport. As shown in FIG. 2, that portion of the perimeter of thesupport which defines the first notch substantially corresponds to theperimeter of a section of the pawl 30 whereby the pawl may be surroundedon a plurality of its sides when that pawl is inserted into the firstnotch 42A.

The second notch 42B is defined by the sides 67 and 69 of the perimeterof the support 28. The third notch 42C is defined by the sides 71 and 73of the support 28. As noted in FIG. 6, the support 28 may include aspecific geometry to accomplish the purposes of the notches 42A, 42B and42C. As shown, the extension 40 may be viewed as being substantially arectangularly configured section having a longitudinal axis which isoriented to a horizontal axis at an angle A. Given the essentiallyrectangular configuration of extension 40, it should be understood thatlinear side 59 would also be oriented at an angle A to the horizontal.In a preferred construction, angle A may be within the range of 125 to136 degrees and preferably 131 degrees. The side 61 which extends fromside 59 is oriented at an angle B from the horizontal. In preferredconstructions, angle B may be within the range of zero to ten degrees,preferably 4 degrees. Side 63, which extends from side 61, is orientedat an angle C from the horizontal. Angle C is within the range of 22 to34 degrees and preferably approximately 28 degrees. Side 65 whichextends from side 63 is oriented at an angle D from the vertical. Inpreferred constructions, angle D may be within the range of 36 to 48degrees and preferably 43 degrees. Side 67 which extends from side 65 isoriented at an angle E from the horizontal. In a preferred construction,angle E is within the range of four to fifteen degrees and preferably 9degrees. Side 69, extending from side 67, defines an angle F from thevertical. Angle F is preferably within the range of 17 to 29 degrees andpreferably 23 degrees. Side 71, which extends from side 69, is orientedat an angle G from the horizontal. Angle G is within the range of fiveto fifteen degrees and preferably 10 degrees. Side 73, which extendsfrom side 71, is oriented vertically upright, i.e. at an angle of 90degrees to the horizontal. Sides 67, 69, 71 and 73 are dimensioned toprovide sufficiently deep notches to enable the tip of the pawl 30 to bereceived in the notches and form a detachable union with each notch toretain the support in a fixed orientation relative to the exerciseapparatus.

The support 28 is rotatably connected to the subframe by means of apivot axle 75. As shown, this axle 75 is an elongate cylindrical memberwhich extends outwardly and perpendicularly from the surface of thesubframe 26. The axle 75 extends through a circular aperture 77 definedwithin the support 28. Various approaches may be adopted to enable thesupport to rotate about the subframe 26. The axle may be fixedly securedto the subframe, while the support 28 is made rotatable about the axle75. Alternatively, the axle may be fixedly secured to the support 28 androtatably secured to the subframe. Furthermore, the axle may berotatably secured to the subframe while the support 28 is rotatablysecured to the axle.

The end 38 of the support 28 may be adapted for securement to aconnection bar 81 which extends between two spacedly positioned supports28. As shown in FIG. 5, a connection bar 81 is secured to each of theends 38 of the pair of supports 28. In the illustrated configuration,the opposing ends 83 of the bar 81 are fitted with end caps 85. The endcaps 85 are preferably fabricated from a material having a highcoefficient of friction. The end caps 85 rest directly on the underlyingsurface and form the point of contact between the incline adjustmentmechanism and the underlying surface. The use of a material having ahigh coefficient of friction facilitates the use of a wheel on the frontsupports 16 of the exercise apparatus.

The supports 28 may be further interconnected to one another by means ofa spacer bar 87. This bar 87 may be fixedly secured to each of thesupports 28 at a location proximate side 73. The bar 87 extends betweenthe two supports 28 and forms a means of stabilizing the supports duringtheir operation.

The pawl 30, as shown in FIG. 2, is a planar member having a somewhatrectangular configuration on one end 89 thereof and a speciallyconfigured lip 90 on its opposing end 91. The pawl 30 is rotatablysecured to the subframe 26 by a pivot axle 93. Axle 93 may be configuredas an elongate cylindrical shaft which is secured on its first end tothe subframe 26. The pawl 30 is mechanically secured to the subframe 26by the pivot axle 93 so as to be rotatable with respect to that subframe26. In one embodiment, the axle 93 may extend through a circularaperture 95 defined in the pawl 30, with the pawl being rotatable withrespect to the axle 93. In this embodiment, the opposing end of the axlemay be fixedly secured to the subframe. Alternatively, the axle could berotatably secured to the subframe. As to the specifics of the mountingof the pawl 30 to the axle 93 and the subsequent mounting of the axle 93to the subframe 26, the previously described approaches discussed abovewith reference to the attachment of the support 28 to the subframe 26may also be applied.

The lip 90 of the pawl 30 is configured to be received within the firstnotch 42A defined in the support 28. As shown in FIG. 2, the pawlincludes two generally parallel linear sides 97, 98 and a linear end 89which is oriented generally perpendicular to each of the sides 97. Thepawl further includes a linear side 101 which extends from side 97generally at an angle H. Angle H is within the range of approximately 35to 55 degrees. Another side 103 extends from side 98 at an angle K.Angle K is approximately 65 to 80 degrees. Side 103 interconnects withside 101.

A substantially "V"-shaped spring 32 is secured at its first end 105 tothe subframe 26 by means of a pin 107 which is affixed to the subframeto extend perpendicularly outward from the subframe. The end 105 isformed into a substantially circular configuration which in turn iswrapped around the pin 107 to form a connection of the spring and thepin 107. The opposing end 109 of the spring 32 is also formed into agenerally circular configuration; this in turn is secured about a pin111 which is affixed to the pawl 30. The spring 32 is constructed toexert a force in the direction of arrow 113 as indicated in FIG. 2. Thespring therefore urges the pawl 30 and, more specifically, the lip 90 ofthat pawl into abutment against the support 28 proximate the notches ofthat support. As shown in FIG. 2, the pawl is urged to rotate in aclockwise direction by the spring 32. As the support 28 is rotated in aclockwise direction, for example by the operation of gravity as thetrailing end of the treadmill is lifted sufficiently above theunderlying surface, the pawl 30 is urged against the perimeter of thesupport which defines the notches. As the lip 90 of the pawl is urgedinto one of the notches, the pawl forms a detachable connection with thesupport 28.

When the support 28 engages an underlying surface, such as a floor, theunderlying surface applies a normal force to the support, thereby urgingthe support to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about its pivotaxis as shown in FIG. 2. Should the pawl 30 be secured in notch 42A ofthe support 28 as shown in FIG. 2, the counterclockwise rotation ofsupport 28 about its pivot axis is precluded due to the pawl'seffectively locking the support in position. When the trailing edge ofthe exercise apparatus is lifted vertically upwards sufficiently thatthe support 28 is no longer supported by the underlying support surface,the weight of the end 38 of the support 28 urges the support 28 torotate clockwise about its pivot axis as shown in FIG. 3 by arrow 120.The spring 32 is configured such that it does not apply a sufficientforce to the pawl 30 to preclude the clockwise rotation of the support28. It follows that the pawl is then rotated counterclockwise a fractionof a revolution due to its contact with the somewhat irregularconfiguration of the perimeter edge of the support 28. As the support 28continues to rotate, the lip 90 of the pawl 30 eventually passes overthe angled point 121 on the perimeter of the support 28. After clearingthe point 121, the spring 32 urges the pawl 30 to rotate in a clockwisedirection, thereby urging the pawl 30 into engagement with notch 42Bpositioned elevationally below the point 121. With the pawl 30 engagedin notch 42B, the exercise apparatus is retained in a second orientationor condition as illustrated in FIG. 3.

If the exercise apparatus is lifted further, the support 28 is againrotated clockwise even further, resulting in the pawl 30 again beingrotated counterclockwise by the contact of the pawl with the irregularlyconfigured perimeter of the support 28. Should the pawl tip 90 pass overthe point 123, then the pawl is urged in a clockwise direction by theaction of spring 32 into engagement with the notch 42C positionedelevationally below angled point 123. With the pawl engaged in notch42C, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the exercise apparatus 10 is thenretained in a third orientation or condition.

When the pawl 30 is engaged in notch 42C, the support 28 may be returnedto the position illustrated in FIG. 2 by lifting the trailing edge ofthe exercise apparatus 10 sufficiently to cause a gravity inducedrotation of the support 28 clockwise about its pivot axis. The continuedrotation of the support 28 causes the pawl 30 to be rotatedcounterclockwise sufficiently that the point of connection of the spring32 to the pawl, i.e. the pivot axle 111, physically passes over the line131 which passes through the pivot axle 107 and the pivot axle 93. Oncethe pivot axle 111 passes over line 131, the forces acting on the pawlare directioned such that the pawl 30 is retained positionedsubstantially as shown in FIG. 7, i.e. the pawl becomes stationary. Withthe pawl positioned as shown in FIG. 7, the user may rotate the support28 in a counterclockwise direction without having the pawl being urgedagainst the support 28. As the support 28 is rotated counterclockwise,eventually the extension 40 contacts the pawl 30. As the support 28 isthen further rotated counterclockwise, the support 28 applies a force tothe pawl to urge the pawl to rotate in a clockwise direction. As thepawl is rotated in a clockwise direction, eventually the pivot axle 111passes back over the line 131, whereafter the force applied to the pawlby the spring 32 urges the pawl to rotate in a clockwise direction asdescribed above. The support 26 and the pawl 30 are eventually rotatedto the orientation shown in FIG. 2. The incline adjustment mechanism isthen in the first condition as depicted in FIG. 2.

The extension 40 in conjunction with the shape of the support perimeterwhich defines the first notch is specially configured to force the endof the pawl 30 into the orientation shown in FIG. 2 upon the supportbeing brought into contact with the pawl. In those constructions whereinthe incline adjustment mechanism is mounted on the rear or trailing endof the exercise apparatus and the apparatus is elevated proximate itsleading end by a support structure such as the structure in FIG. 1, theplacement of the pawl in the first notch orients the apparatus in itssteepest inclination. As the pawl is moved from the first notch to thesucceeding notches, the inclination of the apparatus is decreased.

In a preferred construction, a subframe 26 is mounted to each side ofthe exercise apparatus 10. The subframes are typically mounted onopposing sides of the apparatus and may be mounted an equal distancefrom an end of the apparatus. This mounting orientation promotesstability for the incline mechanism and exercise apparatus combination.In a preferred construction, the exercise mechanism is mounted proximatethe trailing end of the exercise apparatus 10. It should be understoodthat alternative mounting arrangements are also possible. For example,the incline adjustment mechanism could be mounted proximate the leadingend of the exercise apparatus.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the instantinvention. In this particular construction, the function of the spring32 is assumed by a weighted structure 140 which is secured to the pawl30a as indicated. Structure 140 includes a weight 146 and an extensionarm which is secured on one end to the pawl 30A and on its opposing endto the weight 146. In the condition illustrated in FIG. 8, the weightstructure 140 is positioned to be on the fight side of the vertical axis144 which passes through the center of the pivot axle 93. In thisparticular orientation, the positioning of the weighted end of thestructure 140 creates a moment on the pawl 30A about the pivot axis 93which tends to urge the pawl to rotate in a clockwise direction asindicated by arrow 149. As noted in FIG. 8, the end 160 of the pawl 30Ais received in the notch 42 formed in the structure of support 28,thereby locking the support 28 in position. As the trailing edge of theexercise apparatus 10 is lifted vertically upwards sufficiently that theunderlying surface no longer supports the support 28, the weight of theend 38 of the support 28 urges the support 28 to rotate clockwise aboutits pivot axis as shown by FIG. 9. As the support 28 rotates clockwiseabout its pivot axis, the weighted end of the pawl 30A urges the pawl30A to rotate in a clockwise direction thereby retaining the end 160 ofthe pawl 30A in engagement against the support 28. As the end 160 passesover each of the points of the support, the pawl 30A is positionedwithin an adjacent notch, thereby displaceably locking the pawl 30A andsupport 28 together. Should the support be urged to rotate further in aclockwise direction, the point 123 engages the pawl 30A and urges thepawl 30A to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as shown by arrow152. As the counterclockwise rotation of the pawl 30A continues, theweighted end 146 approaches the vertical axis 144. As the weighted end146 approaches the axis 144, the magnitude of the moment applied to thepawl 30A is decreased. With the continued clockwise rotation of thesupport 28, eventually the point 156 of the support 28 contacts the pawl30A and forces the pawl 30A to rotate sufficiently counterclockwise thatthe weighted end 146 passes through the vertical axis 144, therebypositioning the weighted end 146 on the left side of the vertical axis144. In the orientation illustrated in FIG. 10, the weighted end 146applies a small moment to the pawl 30A to urge that pawl to rotate in acounterclockwise direction. It is preferred that the size of the massutilized for the weighted end 146 be selected such that the magnitude ofthis latter moment is insufficient alone to overcome the inertia of thepawl 30A and cause the pawl 30A to rotate counterclockwise. In thecondition shown in FIG. 10, the pawl 30A is configured such that theforces acting on the pawl due to the mass of the pawl and the allocationof that mass are such that the pawl is essentially retained in theillustrated position. The support 28 is then manually rotated in acounterclockwise direction, thereby bringing the extension 40 of thesupport into contact with the end 160 of the pawl 30A. This applies aforce to the pawl 30A such as to urge the pawl 30A to rotate in aclockwise direction, eventually resulting in the pawl being returned tothe orientation illustrated in FIG. 8. In large part, this alternativeembodiment operates like the embodiment of FIG. 2 with the exceptionthat the weighted end 146 functionally replaces the action of the spring32. The weighted structure 146 is positioned such that it does notobstruct the displacement of the support 28 and more specifically theextension 40.

It should be recognized that the instantly described embodiments areintended solely as a description of preferred embodiments. Those skilledin the art will recognize that the embodiments herein discussed areillustrative of the general principals of the invention. The embodimentsherein described are not intended to limit the scope of the claims whichthemselves recite what applicants regard as their invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise apparatus in combination with anincline adjustment mechanism, said combination comprising:an exerciseapparatus; a support frame mechanically associated with said exerciseapparatus; an elongate support, said elongate support being rotatablymounted to said support frame, said elongate support defining at leastone notch therein; a pawl rotatably mounted to said support frame abouta first pivot axis, said pawl being associated with said elongatesupport, said pawl being configured to intercooperate with one or moreof said notches of said elongate support to form a detachable union ofsaid pawl with said elongate support to retain said elongate support ina fixed orientation; and a structure mechanically associated with saidpawl to bias said pawl against said support.
 2. The exercise apparatusin combination with an incline adjustment mechanism according to claim 1wherein said structure is a spring adapted to urge said pawl to rotateabout its said first pivot axis.
 3. The exercise apparatus incombination with an incline adjustment mechanism according to claim 1wherein said structure is a weighted structure having a weight securedto an extension extending outwardly from said pawl.
 4. An exerciseapparatus in combination with an incline adjustment mechanism, saidcombination comprising:an exercise apparatus; a support framemechanically associated with said exercise apparatus; two elongatesupports, each said elongate support being rotatably mounted to saidsupport frame, each said elongate support defining at least one notchtherein; two pawls, each said pawl being rotatably mounted to saidsupport frame about a first pivot axis, each said pawl being associatedwith a respective said elongate support, each said pawl being configuredto intercooperate with one or more of said notches of said respectiveelongate support to form a detachable union of said pawl with saidrespective elongate support to retain said elongate support in a fixedorientation; and two springs, each said spring being mechanicallyassociated with a respective said pawl to urge said pawl to rotate aboutits said first pivot axis.
 5. The combination of claim 4 wherein saidelongate supports are interconnected to one another by a shaft whichextends therebetween.
 6. The combination of claim 4 wherein said shaftis cylindrical in configuration.
 7. The combination of claim 4 whereinsaid elongate support is rotatably connected to said support about asecond pivot axis.
 8. The combination of claim 4 wherein said firstpivot axis is oriented parallel to said second pivot axis.
 9. Thecombination of claim 4 wherein said frame support comprises twosubframes.
 10. The combination of claim 4 wherein said subframes areconnected to said exercise apparatus on opposing sides of said exerciseapparatus.
 11. The combination of claim 4 wherein each said elongatesupport is a flat planar member.
 12. The combination of claim 4 whereineach said elongate support and its respective pawl are rotatable in acommon plane.
 13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said common planeis vertically disposed.
 14. An exercise apparatus in combination with anincline adjustment mechanism, said combination comprising:an exerciseapparatus; a support frame having two subframes, said subframes beingpositioned proximate opposing sides of said exercise apparatus; twoelongate planar supports, each said elongate planar support beingrotatably secured to a respective first pivot axle, each said firstpivot axle being connected to a respective said subframe; each saidelongate planar support defining at least one notch therein; aconnection bar connected to one of said elongate planar supports at eachof its ends to extend between said elongate planar supports; two pawlmembers, each said pawl member being pivotedly mounted to a respectivesaid subframe by means of a second pivot axle connected to saidsubframe; a portion of said pawl member being detachably received withinsaid notch of a respective elongate planar support to form a detachableunion with said elongate planar support, thereby retaining said elongateplanar support in a fixed orientation relative to said exerciseapparatus; and two springs, each said spring being connected to arespective said subframe and a respective said pawl member to urge saidpawl member to rotate about said second pivot axle and into engagementwith said notch.
 15. The combination according to claim 14 wherein saidelongate planar supports and said pawl members rotate in verticallydisposed planes.
 16. The combination according to claim 14 wherein eachsaid pawl member and its said respective elongate planar support rotatein common planes.
 17. The combination according to claim 14 wherein saidexercise apparatus is a treadmill.
 18. The combination according toclaim 14 wherein said subframes are mounted to opposing sides of saidexercise apparatus proximate an end of said exercise apparatus.